Wednesday, February 15th
Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Describe Reynie Reynie is a very talented and gifted child. He sets his mind do things that challenge him yet always accomplishes what he has planned. Overall, i think Reynie is a dedicated person.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. It meant that here (in the reading room) nobody could bother or tease Reynie in any way shape or form. He was free of harmful actioons actions as it was peacful peaceful here.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know? Because he was a nice person and thought that that was what he hoped someone would do for him as well.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers. Because he felt that he was the only one that wouldn't co something others did... llike like in the orphanage. In this case, he was the only one that really didnt didn't want to cheat and that was because he knew it wasnt wasn't right.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? no. Cheating is never ok, even if someone offers. Reynie resisted after he thought of how disappointed Miss Perumal would be if she foiund found out.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one? The rules were made because the oranization organization is strict and has precise qualifications to get in to the next round of testing. Rules are stated here so that the children who make it on to the next levels know what to do.
Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary?
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not? Yes, because Reynie seems to spend a lot of his time either studying or reading in the reading room.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together? Because each child has something different to offer and they each hold skills necessary to succede succeed in all types of tests.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why? Because she is the adult now, not pretending to be a child. Plus, she's in on the tests.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? The protragonist and antagonist out of those two? Kate is outgoing and headstrong while Sticky is quite and keeps to himself.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected? The first test because that gets you even on to just the second one.
2. How are they tested? The children are tested in many different ways to make sure each child can accel excel at anything thrown at them. Like physical and mental tests.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way? Because they all solve it in the end... after all, everybody has their strengths and weaknesses.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict? Narcolepsy is a diasease disease that makes the body fall asleep randomly without any warning but only if you get extremely emotional.. Mr. Benedict needs to have someone around him each time he stands so he doesnt doesn't fall if he has an emotional moment. Sometimes, he cant even finish sentances sentences
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place. Zambia is in Africa. Some popular activites activities here in Zambia include white water rafting, bungi bungee jumping,abseiling,gorge swinging, tandem kayaking, house boating,tiger and flyfishing fly-fishing, lion walks, elephant back trails and just driving around. Zambia is also home to Victoria Falls.
6. Is Bembi a real language? No. I wonder why that was brought up... i think it means something. Like there is a whole secret of lies behind the program.
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment? Because they are yong young and seemed to have passed all tests with no errors aand and with somewhat a lot of confidence. Also, they are so different, but each posess posses skills needed for the impartant important assingnment assignment
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters? Vexed refers to being annoyed. Likee like the Pencil woman was with Constance. She seems very moody like first she is annoyede annoyed then, shew is happy or satisfied.
Due Monday, February 20th
Monday, February 20th Read The Sender and The Messenger Answer the following questions on your page Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits. What are the traits they possess that bring them together? They all possess a trait that involves the mind. They can all figure out a problem by putting things together, thinking up crazy ideas or just knowing.
2. What causes discord among the team members? Each child has a very different personality and different personalities dont don't mix and match.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar? They all are either runaways or orphans that dont don't have anyone looking after them. The dissimilar parts of their lives are that they all have very different backgrounds of why or how they came to be an orphan or runaway.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment? Since the mission is dangerous, the kids do not have people worrying just about them in particular. They can make their own decisions in what they are going or need to do.
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Wednesday, February 22nd Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach? Because the institute wouldnt wouldn't teach the secrets that he needs to figure out everything that they are so secretly trying to do.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for? Morse code is a code that consists of dashes and dots. It was used to exchange useful information to one another but so that nobody knows what the sender is saying. it was invented by Samuel F. B. Morse.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team? It means that the children dont don't always have to agree to work together because there is no punishment and it is good to have different opinions or ideas. It fits to the definition of a team because you have to put all of those agreements or ideas into place and make them work together.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what? A person who wants to improve the life of another person, in most cases by giving gifts or money. He was astonished and mortified that his parents stopped caring about him and only wanted the money that they were receiving from their loss. I would be those things too.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event. She felt emotion for another person. Constance spelled out "sorry" in morse code using a flashlight because she felt sorry for Sticky.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why? He has amnesia because he took a blow to the head and couldnt remember anything of his past.He wears disguises because he is the children's bodygaurd body guard and was once captured to be used in the institute and he may be recognized. He also wants to come across as a harmless bystander, not an immedeate immidiate threat.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? Because he was ashamed of his tragic past and didnt didn't want to think about it or be questioned further.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? That the child's voice appeared on the screen and in peoples heads.
9. Describe the Sender. The sender is a mischevious mischevous person named Ledroptha Curtain. He-for some reason- wants to disrupt the living of people around the world.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict? Because it seemed like he was still hiding something. That one final clue that might give answers to everything. It was like there was something he didnt want the childen knowing.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136? In this case, forged means collected.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this. She is needed for a little bit of persistance. persistance She needs to be there to keep things up and ask the important questions that others may be afraid to ask.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor? Because he has a disease called narcolepsy and if it takes place while he is standing he might fall on something and damage it or injure himself.
14. How could Constance be the key to the team's success? She asks the important questions and could snoop around, she is small after all. Constance could figure out the secret info.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict? Because Mr. Benedict has gotten them this far and clearly believes in them. He also complimented a child (most likely Reynie) so he may have been thanking him for that. Or because he was greatly concerned for the childrens children's safety.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society? It is the "code name" of Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance. As a team.
Tuesday, February 28th Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense Due Thursday, March 1st
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book? I'm enjoying this book in certain parts but other parts are sort of long in explainations. explanations I am looking forward to reading about what will happen though. Some questions I have are... Wht Constance? Are the kids going to get into lots of trouble soon? why are Jackson and Jillson so harsh? are they hiding something? Will they remember the morse code? will they be caught transmitting messages?
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive? The executives are top students chosen to work closely with Mr. Curtain. The difference between a messanger messenger and and executive is that the messangers messengers have striped pants and the executives have plain pants.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book? Jackson and Jillson are harsh and impatient executives of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. They were top students and now work closely with Mr. Curtain. They will probably be with the kids for a while to watch them. I wouldnt wouldn't want them to be around me.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means? Kate felt that if someone helped her along, her full, "talents" wouldnt wouldn't be completely noticed or she would be in the shadow of the person helping her.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important? A cliff-hanger is an ending that leaves the reader either jumping to conclusions or wondering what is happening next. It is important because it is a different style of writing and is interesting as well.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book? So that the Institute could capture children that were wandering about when they weren't supposed to or, because there are mine shafts (but that could be a lie) I do think it will be important later on because if they are mine shafts, why would Mr. Curtain be digging for precious stones in the first place? It is called foreshadowing.
7. Who are the helpers? The helpers tend to the land, cook, clean and attend to pretty much everything else.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? An idiom is phrase that refers to something it is not directly saying. This idiom means "Whatever you like," or, "Do what you want,"
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted? I think there are rules, the kids just arent aren't introduced to them right away because the Institute wants them to feel welcome.My parents tryed to explain "contradicted" to me but I'm really confused! Do you understand it now?
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? A free market is a place or market where you can buy or sell things freely. I honesly honestly do not know enough about a free market or something like it and dont understand what is so important about it or why they have to memorize a chant.
Vocabulary Words for you to look up: fate and diminutive size from page 152 ardous from page 164 Something that falls upon a person (an event ) or a fortune of small size a lot of work is required
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? Because Reynie was making mental letters to the family he knew, Miss Perumal and Mr. Benedict had said to him that friends can be family and fam ily family can be friends.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? It means that even though things may have been lost, you must still have hope in finding them.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" I think that is absolutely true. I would agree that with any family or even a group of close friends, missing just one person messes up the relationships and everyone is left feeling empty inside.
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? A family can consist of literal family (relatives) or of very close friends. (that are not blood related to you)
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? Reynie said "Maybe we don't have to lay our hands on it!" And it left the reader wondering what Reynie was thinking of doing.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter Because none of the main character kids have a family to turn to and neither does Mr. Benedict or Mr. Curtain. It has an almost devastating fact to it.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? Only found results for "Tactical Caciuli"
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. He said it because the tidal turbines were something nobody had thought of before to make. It is like an underwater wind turbine that can be used to generate electricity.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? So Sticky could read the journal of Mr. Curtain's.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? Memorizing what Mr. Curtain had written down in it and see if any info was useful.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? It means that even though something cant be done perfectly, if you think you can do it perfectly, itr is almost the equivalent of actually doing it.
12. How can you have an illusion of control? By imagining a situation or visualizing ahead if you are currently in a situation where control is needed.
13. Explain "brainsweeping." It is getting rid of certain memories so a person can still feel confused yet have a sense of knowing what is going on.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? Because they dont don't know how they got here or much of anything of their past. Plus, they may have been almost hypnotized.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? A gain or boost of power on the messages.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means? I think it means that Mr. Curtain was very happy about something and made a note to celebrate it.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" Because Sticky was caught in the act of cheating... or, helping someone cheat.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? A precipice is a mass of rock that is steep or cliff- like. It says this word because Reynie felt like he fell off of one.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall? So that they can see into the small window in the gym. Because they feel like something is going on in there.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be? The messages will be broadcasted to full power. A clue is that Mr. Curtain said that he doesn't need anymore children in the program.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence? I cannot find it in the book anywhere. I posted a note on the discussion page and i will chack check back after F.A.N! Did you find the answer?
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. Sticky had a depressed and shocked look on his face as he entered the room hunched over and out of it. He was covered in mud that stank.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? He was shocked and depressed. He may have been partially brainswept or is just scared out of his mind.
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie,Constance, Kate and Sticky) He offers smarts and solutions to puzzles or riddles. She has an un kown meeting but her personality has been helping more and more. She brings solutions to physical problems or problems that involve creative physical work. He offers all- around smarts and perfect memory. Each child has their moment to shine depending on a problem. If one of them were to go, the whole team would fall and be helpless to Mr. B
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. The main idea was to show the recovery process of having Sticky back. I think this because hisa his mood increased after being consoled by his friends and he was ready to start new because he wanted to know about their plan right away.
Where is Monday's assignment?
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? I think the dream means that reynie is having deep thoughts about what he should do in this situation.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? It means that they shook hands weakly or unsurely, yet they did it out of eachothers best interest.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? It means almost like dumb, or stupid. It fits into the sentence because jackson is over exaggerating the fact that Sticky asked an unnecessary question.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? Because there must be something that they don't want them to know... or a plan they didn't want them to know.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery is an all steel room with high security and has a policy of no hard or glass items.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? It means that the gallery is secretive and mysterious.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why? Because that's what Mr. Curtain wants... control over everything and everyone.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The whisperer can put the victim in a transe and soothe their fears. it cannot control their thoughts or make them think something, atleast not that we know of yet.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? The thoughts go down easy, like candy is easier to take than medicine.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? It is like adding data to something.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? Now, it is referring tothe lesson before... i think Mr. Curtain can read their thoughts and wanted to see what they knew. The phrase is repeated in the book probably because it mens something or has something to do with the messages.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The Whisperer asked what Sticky's biggest fear was.
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? because he felt uncomfortable. He said that he and Sticky had recently been experiencing stomach problems.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? It means that Reynie's voice was being broadcasted on the messages.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" Because he won't need people to say messages for him, they are all already recorded.
16. What are the clues about the trap? What trap? The overall trap of the whole Institute or the little weed trap?
17. How did the kids figure out the code? They used S.Q.'s scratchy notes to discover a hidden code on the paper.
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" It was about them needing to practice as a team or, that they already have practiced enough to know what they are doing when they need to work together.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? Because Mr. Curtain felt so confident in his plan that he wanted to be able to send out newspapers right away and concentrate otherwise on improving the Improvement further.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean?\ Mr. Curtain had already planned out something with the government and was basically bragging about his plan, or making it seem like he hadn't plotted it to work out so well.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? So that he could use his Whisperer to not only solve the problem somewhat, but also to brainsweep them. Mr. Curtain really just wants them as his servants.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? So he could better control the people "suffering" from his induced symptoms.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" Because the kids had to really figure out and confirm who the enemy was and what he was doing. Then they had to put together their weaknesess and strengths to come up with a plan to stop them. Really, it was about them coming together as a team even more.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" It is a secret room containing many things that look like Whisperer's but according to Mr. Curtain, are far less complicated.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? He is referring to being to late to helping reverse the Improvement because Mr. Curtain had already set up many other Whisperers.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? The recruiter was Milligan.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? Because he knew it was risky to even be there in the first place, but to have a plan to take the kids off the island as well?!
11. Why was Milligan on the island?
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? Because they felt it was their place to help Mr. Benedict and knew now that, they needed to stop Mr. Curtain.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? It said to remember that everyone was essential to the success of the team and that now, more than ever, they needed to rely on eachother.
Friday, March 23rd
Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364? He thinks the team has to disable the Whisperer.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" Because he thinks the others look to him as a leader and if he goes down, the rest will follow. Also, the Whisperer's capabilities are getting to him and he is starting to want to go to Mr. Curtains side... he does not know why he feels this way and doesn't want to let down his friends and "family."
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself? Because the Whisperer is getting to him... lureing him in and he wants to fight back but doesn't think he can anymore.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message? He wants to see if Mr. Benedict can advise anything to stop the thoughts of the Whisperer from flooding into Reynie's head.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back? "Remember the white knight."
6. What did the message mean? It refered to the both of them making a decision and taking it back. They both doubted themselves and wanted a re-do.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? She shot a marble over Jackson's head to distract him, then ran away and simply slipped in.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? Because an executive going by could hear it, anyone could... she didn't want to get caught.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear? He thinks he can deal with it using the Whisperer.
10. What is Martina's job? To work one of the miniature Whisperer's during the Improvement.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert? He poured hot water down the drain.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her? Sharp rocks that replicated shark fins.
Read Pencils, Erasers and Disqualifications Chapter
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Describe Reynie
Reynie is a very talented and gifted child. He sets his mind do things that challenge him yet always accomplishes what he has planned. Overall, i think Reynie is a dedicated person.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers.
It meant that here (in the reading room) nobody could bother or tease Reynie in any way shape or form. He was free of harmful actioons actions as it was peacful peaceful here.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know?
Because he was a nice person and thought that that was what he hoped someone would do for him as well.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers.
Because he felt that he was the only one that wouldn't co something others did... llike like in the orphanage. In this case, he was the only one that really didnt didn't want to cheat and that was because he knew it wasnt wasn't right.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation?
no. Cheating is never ok, even if someone offers. Reynie resisted after he thought of how disappointed Miss Perumal would be if she foiund found out.
6. Why are rules made? Why are those so many rules in chapter one?
The rules were made because the oranization organization is strict and has precise qualifications to get in to the next round of testing. Rules are stated here so that the children who make it on to the next levels know what to do.
Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary?
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not?
Yes, because Reynie seems to spend a lot of his time either studying or reading in the reading room.
2. Why is it important for this team to work together?
Because each child has something different to offer and they each hold skills necessary to succede succeed in all types of tests.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why?
Because she is the adult now, not pretending to be a child. Plus, she's in on the tests.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far?
The protragonist and antagonist out of those two? Kate is outgoing and headstrong while Sticky is quite and keeps to himself.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected?
The first test because that gets you even on to just the second one.
2. How are they tested?
The children are tested in many different ways to make sure each child can accel excel at anything thrown at them. Like physical and mental tests.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way?
Because they all solve it in the end... after all, everybody has their strengths and weaknesses.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict?
Narcolepsy is a diasease disease that makes the body fall asleep randomly without any warning but only if you get extremely emotional.. Mr. Benedict needs to have someone around him each time he stands so he doesnt doesn't fall if he has an emotional moment. Sometimes, he cant even finish sentances sentences
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place.
Zambia is in Africa. Some popular activites activities here in Zambia include white water rafting, bungi bungee jumping,abseiling,gorge swinging, tandem kayaking, house boating, tiger and flyfishing fly-fishing, lion walks, elephant back trails and just driving around. Zambia is also home to Victoria Falls.
6. Is Bembi a real language?
No. I wonder why that was brought up... i think it means something. Like there is a whole secret of lies behind the program.
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment?
Because they are yong young and seemed to have passed all tests with no errors aand and with somewhat a lot of confidence. Also, they are so different, but each posess posses skills needed for the impartant important assingnment assignment
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters?
Vexed refers to being annoyed. Likee like the Pencil woman was with Constance. She seems very moody like first she is annoyede annoyed then, shew is happy or satisfied.
Due Monday, February 20th
Monday, February 20th Read The Sender and The Messenger Answer the following questions on your page Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits. What are the traits they possess that bring them together?
They all possess a trait that involves the mind. They can all figure out a problem by putting things together, thinking up crazy ideas or just knowing.
2. What causes discord among the team members?
Each child has a very different personality and different personalities dont don't mix and match.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar?
They all are either runaways or orphans that dont don't have anyone looking after them. The dissimilar parts of their lives are that they all have very different backgrounds of why or how they came to be an orphan or runaway.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment?
Since the mission is dangerous, the kids do not have people worrying just about them in particular. They can make their own decisions in what they are going or need to do.
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Wednesday, February 22nd Read Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach?
Because the institute wouldnt wouldn't teach the secrets that he needs to figure out everything that they are so secretly trying to do.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for?
Morse code is a code that consists of dashes and dots. It was used to exchange useful information to one another but so that nobody knows what the sender is saying. it was invented by Samuel F. B. Morse.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean? How does this fit into the definition of a team?
It means that the children dont don't always have to agree to work together because there is no punishment and it is good to have different opinions or ideas. It fits to the definition of a team because you have to put all of those agreements or ideas into place and make them work together.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what?
A person who wants to improve the life of another person, in most cases by giving gifts or money. He was astonished and mortified that his parents stopped caring about him and only wanted the money that they were receiving from their loss. I would be those things too.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.
She felt emotion for another person. Constance spelled out "sorry" in morse code using a flashlight because she felt sorry for Sticky.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why?
He has amnesia because he took a blow to the head and couldnt remember anything of his past.He wears disguises because he is the children's bodygaurd body guard and was once captured to be used in the institute and he may be recognized. He also wants to come across as a harmless bystander, not an immedeate immidiate threat.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why?
Because he was ashamed of his tragic past and didnt didn't want to think about it or be questioned further.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135?
That the child's voice appeared on the screen and in peoples heads.
9. Describe the Sender.
The sender is a mischevious mischevous person named Ledroptha Curtain. He-for some reason- wants to disrupt the living of people around the world.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict?
Because it seemed like he was still hiding something. That one final clue that might give answers to everything. It was like there was something he didnt want the childen knowing.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136?
In this case, forged means collected.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this.
She is needed for a little bit of persistance. persistance She needs to be there to keep things up and ask the important questions that others may be afraid to ask.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor?
Because he has a disease called narcolepsy and if it takes place while he is standing he might fall on something and damage it or injure himself.
14. How could Constance be the key to the team's success?
She asks the important questions and could snoop around, she is small after all. Constance could figure out the secret info.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict?
Because Mr. Benedict has gotten them this far and clearly believes in them. He also complimented a child (most likely Reynie) so he may have been thanking him for that. Or because he was greatly concerned for the childrens children's safety.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society?
It is the "code name" of Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance. As a team.
Tuesday, February 28th Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense Due Thursday, March 1st
Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book?
I'm enjoying this book in certain parts but other parts are sort of long in explainations. explanations I am looking forward to reading about what will happen though. Some questions I have are... Wht Constance? Are the kids going to get into lots of trouble soon? why are Jackson and Jillson so harsh? are they hiding something? Will they remember the morse code? will they be caught transmitting messages?
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive?
The executives are top students chosen to work closely with Mr. Curtain. The difference between a messanger messenger and and executive is that the messangers messengers have striped pants and the executives have plain pants.
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book?
Jackson and Jillson are harsh and impatient executives of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. They were top students and now work closely with Mr. Curtain. They will probably be with the kids for a while to watch them. I wouldnt wouldn't want them to be around me.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means?
Kate felt that if someone helped her along, her full, "talents" wouldnt wouldn't be completely noticed or she would be in the shadow of the person helping her.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important?
A cliff-hanger is an ending that leaves the reader either jumping to conclusions or wondering what is happening next. It is important because it is a different style of writing and is interesting as well.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book?
So that the Institute could capture children that were wandering about when they weren't supposed to or, because there are mine shafts (but that could be a lie) I do think it will be important later on because if they are mine shafts, why would Mr. Curtain be digging for precious stones in the first place? It is called foreshadowing.
7. Who are the helpers?
The helpers tend to the land, cook, clean and attend to pretty much everything else.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean?
An idiom is phrase that refers to something it is not directly saying. This idiom means "Whatever you like," or, "Do what you want,"
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted?
I think there are rules, the kids just arent aren't introduced to them right away because the Institute wants them to feel welcome. My parents tryed to explain "contradicted" to me but I'm really confused! Do you understand it now?
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market?
A free market is a place or market where you can buy or sell things freely. I honesly honestly do not know enough about a free market or something like it and dont understand what is so important about it or why they have to memorize a chant.
Vocabulary Words for you to look up: fate and diminutive size from page 152 ardous from page 164
Something that falls upon a person (an event ) or a fortune of small size a lot of work is required
Monday, March 12th
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found?
Because Reynie was making mental letters to the family he knew, Miss Perumal and Mr. Benedict had said to him that friends can be family and fam ily family can be friends.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean?
It means that even though things may have been lost, you must still have hope in finding them.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?"
I think that is absolutely true. I would agree that with any family or even a group of close friends, missing just one person messes up the relationships and everyone is left feeling empty inside.
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean?
A family can consist of literal family (relatives) or of very close friends. (that are not blood related to you)
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found?
Reynie said "Maybe we don't have to lay our hands on it!" And it left the reader wondering what Reynie was thinking of doing.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter
Because none of the main character kids have a family to turn to and neither does Mr. Benedict or Mr. Curtain. It has an almost devastating fact to it.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title?
Only found results for "Tactical Caciuli"
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island.
He said it because the tidal turbines were something nobody had thought of before to make. It is like an underwater wind turbine that can be used to generate electricity.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for?
So Sticky could read the journal of Mr. Curtain's.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal?
Memorizing what Mr. Curtain had written down in it and see if any info was useful.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story?
It means that even though something cant be done perfectly, if you think you can do it perfectly, itr is almost the equivalent of actually doing it.
12. How can you have an illusion of control?
By imagining a situation or visualizing ahead if you are currently in a situation where control is needed.
13. Explain "brainsweeping."
It is getting rid of certain memories so a person can still feel confused yet have a sense of knowing what is going on.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared?
Because they dont don't know how they got here or much of anything of their past. Plus, they may have been almost hypnotized.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270?
A gain or boost of power on the messages.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means?
I think it means that Mr. Curtain was very happy about something and made a note to celebrate it.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?"
Because Sticky was caught in the act of cheating... or, helping someone cheat.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence?
A precipice is a mass of rock that is steep or cliff- like. It says this word because Reynie felt like he fell off of one.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall?
So that they can see into the small window in the gym. Because they feel like something is going on in there.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be?
The messages will be broadcasted to full power. A clue is that Mr. Curtain said that he doesn't need anymore children in the program.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence?
I cannot find it in the book anywhere. I posted a note on the discussion page and i will chack check back after F.A.N! Did you find the answer?
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room.
Sticky had a depressed and shocked look on his face as he entered the room hunched over and out of it. He was covered in mud that stank.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out?
He was shocked and depressed. He may have been partially brainswept or is just scared out of his mind.
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book?
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky)
He offers smarts and solutions to puzzles or riddles. She has an un kown meeting but her personality has been helping more and more. She brings solutions to physical problems or problems that involve creative physical work. He offers all- around smarts and perfect memory. Each child has their moment to shine depending on a problem. If one of them were to go, the whole team would fall and be helpless to Mr. B
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details.
The main idea was to show the recovery process of having Sticky back. I think this because hisa his mood increased after being consoled by his friends and he was ready to start new because he wanted to know about their plan right away.
Where is Monday's assignment?
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means?
I think the dream means that reynie is having deep thoughts about what he should do in this situation.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
It means that they shook hands weakly or unsurely, yet they did it out of eachothers best interest.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence?
It means almost like dumb, or stupid. It fits into the sentence because jackson is over exaggerating the fact that Sticky asked an unnecessary question.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery?
Because there must be something that they don't want them to know... or a plan they didn't want them to know.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery.
The Whispering Gallery is an all steel room with high security and has a policy of no hard or glass items.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean?
It means that the gallery is secretive and mysterious.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why?
Because that's what Mr. Curtain wants... control over everything and everyone.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do.
The whisperer can put the victim in a transe and soothe their fears. it cannot control their thoughts or make them think something, atleast not that we know of yet.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about?
The thoughts go down easy, like candy is easier to take than medicine.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this?
It is like adding data to something.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book?
Now, it is referring tothe lesson before... i think Mr. Curtain can read their thoughts and wanted to see what they knew. The phrase is repeated in the book probably because it mens something or has something to do with the messages.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question?
The Whisperer asked what Sticky's biggest fear was.
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger?
because he felt uncomfortable. He said that he and Sticky had recently been experiencing stomach problems.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean?
It means that Reynie's voice was being broadcasted on the messages.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?"
Because he won't need people to say messages for him, they are all already recorded.
16. What are the clues about the trap?
What trap? The overall trap of the whole Institute or the little weed trap?
17. How did the kids figure out the code?
They used S.Q.'s scratchy notes to discover a hidden code on the paper.
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?"
It was about them needing to practice as a team or, that they already have practiced enough to know what they are doing when they need to work together.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future?
Because Mr. Curtain felt so confident in his plan that he wanted to be able to send out newspapers right away and concentrate otherwise on improving the Improvement further.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean?\
Mr. Curtain had already planned out something with the government and was basically bragging about his plan, or making it seem like he hadn't plotted it to work out so well.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone?
So that he could use his Whisperer to not only solve the problem somewhat, but also to brainsweep them. Mr. Curtain really just wants them as his servants.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary?
So he could better control the people "suffering" from his induced symptoms.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?"
Because the kids had to really figure out and confirm who the enemy was and what he was doing. Then they had to put together their weaknesess and strengths to come up with a plan to stop them. Really, it was about them coming together as a team even more.
7. What is the "memory terminal?"
It is a secret room containing many things that look like Whisperer's but according to Mr. Curtain, are far less complicated.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to?
He is referring to being to late to helping reverse the Improvement because Mr. Curtain had already set up many other Whisperers.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night?
The recruiter was Milligan.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry?
Because he knew it was risky to even be there in the first place, but to have a plan to take the kids off the island as well?!
11. Why was Milligan on the island?
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan?
Because they felt it was their place to help Mr. Benedict and knew now that, they needed to stop Mr. Curtain.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids?
It said to remember that everyone was essential to the success of the team and that now, more than ever, they needed to rely on eachother.
Friday, March 23rd
Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364?
He thinks the team has to disable the Whisperer.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?"
Because he thinks the others look to him as a leader and if he goes down, the rest will follow. Also, the Whisperer's capabilities are getting to him and he is starting to want to go to Mr. Curtains side... he does not know why he feels this way and doesn't want to let down his friends and "family."
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself?
Because the Whisperer is getting to him... lureing him in and he wants to fight back but doesn't think he can anymore.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message?
He wants to see if Mr. Benedict can advise anything to stop the thoughts of the Whisperer from flooding into Reynie's head.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back?
"Remember the white knight."
6. What did the message mean?
It refered to the both of them making a decision and taking it back. They both doubted themselves and wanted a re-do.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator?
She shot a marble over Jackson's head to distract him, then ran away and simply slipped in.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator?
Because an executive going by could hear it, anyone could... she didn't want to get caught.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear?
He thinks he can deal with it using the Whisperer.
10. What is Martina's job?
To work one of the miniature Whisperer's during the Improvement.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert?
He poured hot water down the drain.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her?
Sharp rocks that replicated shark fins.